Census Sunday~1860 Anson County, NC

The 1860 Census for Anson County, North Carolina enumerated 6 August 1860) is the earliest of three (3) Censuses that I have been able to locate my great great grandfather – William A. Purvis. 
  

Ancestry.com Census Image  

William A. Purvis, his wife Sarah Jane Graves Purvis.along with another Couple Joseph White and his wife Laura Brock White are enumerated in Dwelling 1238, Family 1188, Lines 34-37.



The extracted information for the family, with an enumeration date of 6 August 1860 by Wm. M. Hammond reads: 

*  William A. Purvis, age 34, Male, white, Shoe Maker, $150 in real property, $275 in personal property, born North Carolina.
*  Sarah Purvis, age 26, Female, white, born North Carolina, cannot read or write.
*  Joseph White, age 33, Male, white, Cooper, $0 in real property, $27 in personal property, born North Carolina.
*  Laura [Brock] White, age 30, Female, white, Domestic, born North Carolina, cannot read or write.


Extensive research of these two families has resulted in very little forward motion for almost thirty-seven years. There does not seem to be any connection between these families other than their presence here in this census.

The parents of William A. Purvis are still unknown and continue to be my major brick wall.

If you have any information that can move this line back another generation please contact me at this e-mail.


 




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[1] 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 300, line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188, Household of William A. Purvis; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 887.

Surname Saturday~Oscar Philmore "O.P." Purvis

My Grandfather, James Francis "Jim" Purvis, had 2 brothers and 4 sisters. His two brothers were John William and Oscar Philmore "O P" Purvis. 

 I never knew my Grand Uncle  O. P. or  my Grand Father Jim Purvis; they both died before I was born. I did know their brother John William Purvis. Grand Uncle John died in  August 1956. I was just short of my fourteenth birthday. 

Grand Uncle Oscar Philmore "O P" Purvis¹ was born on 10 Jul 1888 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.^{2 3 4 5} His World War I Draft Registration Cards, shows he registered for the draft in 1917–1918.^{6 7 8} He died on 20 Apr 1931 at the age of 42 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina and was buried on 21 Apr 1931 at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^9–10-11-12

Oscar Philmore "O P" Purvis and Roxie Carolyn Brock were married on 2 Feb 1913 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹³ Roxie Carolyn Brock, daughter of Samuel Stonewall Jackson Brock and Laura Cornelius Teal, was born on 3 Sep 1895 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{14 15 16 17 18 19} She died on 17 Jan 1967 at the age of 71 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina and was buried on 20 Jan 1967 in Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^20-21-22

Oscar Philmore Purvis and Roxie Carolyn Brock had the following children:

              i. Christina Geneva "Teenie" Purvis, born 13 Jan 1914, Anson County, North Carolina; married Clayton William Jarman, abt 1933; died 29 Feb 1980, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

             ii. Sarah Elizabeth Purvis, born 3 June 1916, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Henry Lee Hanna; married John Belk Helms; married Frank Paul; died 6 Jan 1992, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

            iii. Oscar Philmore Purvis, born 24 June 1925, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Jerallene C. Patrick, abt 1969, Pasquotank County, North Carolina; married Mary Louise , 16 May 1945, Anderson, South Carolina; died 15 Jul 1979, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia.

            iv. Unnamed Purvis was born on 5 May 1928 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina. She died on 6 May 1928 at the age of  0  and was buried on 7 May 1928 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.

_________________________________

        1. Oscar Philmore Purvis, death certificate (long form) 170 (20 April 1931), Dept. Health and Human Services, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

        2. William J. Purvis Family Family Bible Holy Bible, (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), BIRTH; Oscar P. PURVIS, born 10 July 1888,  Obtained from Tammy Gathings Swearengin, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

        3. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 25 August 2011), O P Purvis; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, FHL Roll Number: 1765559; Birth Date: 10 Jul 1889.

        4. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 8, page 149B, line 79, dwelling 15, family 15, Household of William J. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

        5. 1910  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven Twsp., Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #012, page 184, line 64-67, Dwelling 65, Family 65, Household of William Purvis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.

        6. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com, O P Purvis.

        7. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 188B, Line 60, Dwelling 146, Family 146, Household of Oscar PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 23 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.

        8. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13-10, Page 237A, Line 8, Dwelling 92, Family 92, Household of Osker P. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 25 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 2192.

        9. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 45 (25 April 1931), O P PURVIS; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

        10. Oscar Philmore Purvis, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina death certificate 170 (20 April 1931).

        11. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 45, (25 April 1931), O P PURVIS.

        12. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Oscar Philmore Purvis; (10 July 1889–20 April 1931); Memorial # 78318969; Record of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 25 August 2012.

        13. Oscar Purvis, age 21, and  Roxanna Brock, age 18,, (2 February 1913), SC Marriage Index Book: ; Probate Office, Chesterfield , South Carolina, South Carolina.

        14. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 153. Tombstone of Roxie Brock Reid; 3 September 1895–17 January 1967, Brock's Mill Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

        15. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 8, Page 7B/155 (stamped); Line 87, Dwelling 114, Family 114, Household of Samuel J. S. BROCK; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 31 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

        16. 1910  U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0037, Page 138B/12B; Line 75, Dwelling 212, Family 212, Household of [Stonewall Jackson] Jack BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1455.

        17. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #13, Page 188B, Line 60, Dwelling 146, Family 146, Household of Oscar PURVIS.

        18. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, ED #13-10, Page 237A, Line 8, Dwelling 92, Family 92, Household of Osker P. PURVIS.

        19. 1940 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 4-21, Page: 9A/255A(stamped), Line 37, Household #159, Household of Roxie Purvis; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 26 August 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2871.

        20. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 2271, (17 January 1967), Roxie Brock Reid.

        21. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Roxie Brock Reid.

        22. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 25 August 2012; Headstone for Roxie Brock Reid;  Memorial # 78326283.

The Elusive Parents of James P. J. Purvis

I have written about James P. J. Purvis once before but I think it’s time to take another look and I would like to solicit your help - my followers and readers.

There is power in the assembling of a group to tackle a problem and seek resolution. Today this would be called crowd sourcing.

Crowdsourcing = Crowd + Outsourcing = a process of problem solving involving a large body of interested individuals. (my definition)

In my days of work and occupation it was called – Synergy

Regardless, there is power in a group working together to solve a common problem. I know there are individuals much smarter that I and  very capable of looking at a problem with a different mind set to solve it. So here's the problem -

Who are the parents of James P. J. Purvis?

Timeline for James Purdee J. Purvis

14 December 2012

Age	Date	Event
0	Abt 1811	Birth:
18	12 Jan 1829	Property: Clarke County, Alabama, United States[1] Land Deed between Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs
20	1831	Property: Tax Roll; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[2]
21	1832	Property: Tax Roll; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[3]
21	19 Jan 1832	Marriage: Elizabeth Rose Campbell-2578; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States[4]
24	27 Apr 1835	Residence: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States
25	Feb 1836	Probate: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States[5]
25	9 Feb 1836	Residence: James P. J. Purvis wrote his WILL and stated that he was dangerously ill.; Hinds County, Mississippi, United States
25	9 Feb 1836	Will: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States[6]
25	Aft Feb 1836	Death: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States

I have several clues to the parents of James P. J. Purvis. On the land deed in 1829 between Gilbert Johnson Purvis to Grass Scruggs there were two witness and their signatures are shown above.
James P. J. Purvis and
James X Purvis

Gilbert Johnson Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and his wife Effica Howell Purvis.

James P. J. Purvis is the Grandson of Gilbert Sr & Effica Howell Purvis.

Gilbert Johnson Purvis in his LAST WILL & TESTAMENT made this statement:
”I hereby direct my Executors to file a bill in chancery or commence such other suit as may be necessary & proper to procure from the aforesaid James P. J. Purvis, administrator as aforesaid, the full distribution & share of the estate of my deceased parents to which I am entitled insisting upon the advance made by my deceased father the said Gilbert Purvis to James Purvis the father of the said James P. J Purvis in the lifetime of them both, …”

The uncle of James P. J. Purvis, his Uncle Gilbert J. Purvis states that  the FATHER of James P. J. Purvis is James Purvis.

Comments: I think it’s highly likely that the two signatures on the land deed between Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs is Father and Son. 

If James Purvis is the father of James Purdee J. Purvis what happen to him?

There are other clues to James P. J. Purvis. My interpretation of records indicate he had a brother William H. H. Purvis. William H. H. Purvis married Jemima Magee. He also migrated from Rankin County, MS around 1850 and can be found in the 1850 Census for Polk County, Texas . He died there sometime around 1855.
Gilbert Purvis, Sr. died sometime between June 1828 and December 1829. Then in august 1834, Effica Howell Purvis passed away leaving a considerable estate mostly consisting of eight slaves.

The division of the slaves from Effica estate provides another clue to identity.

The division of the personal estate of Effica Purvis, made 8 Dec 1835, lists the names of
7 enslaved ancestors in Rankin County, Mississippi.

Enslaved ancestors were listed in groups in the estate inventory. It is unclear whether or
not these were family groups. We have maintained that grouping here.
Listed in the estate were:
· Nancy and her two children
· Delilah
· Sandy
· Margaret & her Child
Nancy and her children, Delilah, Sandy, Margaret & her child to William Purvis and John Purvis which said negroes we valued to the sum of $3400.
· Milly & her two children
· John
· Frances and her child
Milly & her children, John, Frances and her child to J.P.J. Purvis & William Purvis, Jr.which said negroes we valued to the sum of $3100, upon the said William Purvis, John
Purvis paying to the said JPJ Purvis & William Purvis, Jr. each the sum of $150
Efficia Howell Purvis Estate, Pages 7 & 8 (2)
Nancy and her two children, valued @ $1150.
Milly and her two children, valued @ $1350.
Frances and her child $1000,
Delilah $800,
John $750,
Sandy $700,
Margaret and her child $750

The two grouping for division of the slaves is important!

Named in the first group are William Purvis and John Purvis. These two men are thought to be sons of James Purvis, Sr. who was a brother to Gilbert Purvis, Sr.

The next group lists JPJ Purvis & William Purvis, Jr. . These  two men are believed too be Brothers and Grandsons of Gilbert Purvis, Sr. JPJ Purvis is James Purdee J. Purvis and William Purvis, Jr. is the younger William H. H. Purvis and referred to as Jr. to differentiate between the older & younger William so named. 
A review of the 1850 Polk County, TX Census shows that there is an older female named Sarah, age 60, born in SC in the household. Is this the Mother of James Purdee J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

Together these few clues adds up to a possibility that James Purvis and Sarah Purvis are the parents of James P. J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

Another reference source is DAR 115797 the only application submitted  and approved on this ancestral line. 

Summary:

1. Clarke County, AL Land Deed (DB6:366-367) Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs lists two witnesses: James P. J. Purvis and James Purvis
2. Gilbert Johnson Purvis WILL named James Purvis as the Father of James P. J. Purvis
3. Efficia Howell Purvis Estate partition points to relationships between James P. J. Purvis and William Purvis, Jr.  believed to be William H. H. Purvis.
4. The 1850 census, Polk Co., TX; Lists Sarah Purvis, age 60, born in SC who may be the Mother of the head of household – William H. H. Purvis

It’s obvious that further research is needed. Thus the purpose of this posting. While my knowledge is far greater than what is presented here; I would like your comments and suggestions.

Here's another question I would like answered. We see that James Purvis used a “Slanted E” as his mark. Are these marks/signatures recorded in the county/state?

Related Articles:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/08/will-of-james-purdee-j-purvis.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/gilbert-purvis-south-carolina-to.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-happen-to-sally-purvis.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/07/gilbert-johnson-purvis.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/james-f-purvis-sr-and-his-children.html

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[1]. Clarke County, Alabama, Book "G": page 366 & 367, Gilbert J. PURVIS to Grass Scruggs Deed; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (http://www.familysearch.org; accessed 10 January 2011). Film# 1823073.
[2]. Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 13 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1831, Box 3764, Image 57 of 276, entry for James P. J. Purvis. 1831 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; James P. J. PURVIS and Johnson J. PURVIS, are listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 57 of 276.
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30463-20?cc=1919687&wc=13646518]
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Simpson
County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764
Image 57 of 276.
[3]. Entry for Pender J. Purvis, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson, Mississippi. 1832 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; [James] Pender J. PURVIS and Johnson J. PURVIS, are listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 70 of 276.
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30463-20?cc=1919687&wc=13646518]
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Simpson
County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764
Image 70 of 276.
[4]. Mississippi, Rankin County, Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935, , James Purvis & Elizabeth B. Campbell, 19 January 1832; www.ancestry.com, Jackson, Mississippi.
Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935 about James PurvisName: James Purvis
Spouse: Elizabeth B. Campbell
Marriage Date: 19 Jan 1832
County: Rankin
Source Information:Hunting For Bears, comp.. Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: Mississippi marriage information taken from county courthouse records. Many of these records were extracted from copies of the original records in microfilm, microfiche, or book format, located at the Family History Library.
.
[5]. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb 1836. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb. 1836.
[6]. Hinds County, Mississippi, FHL microfilm 878728: page 66 WILL of James P. J. Purvis; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. JAMES P. J. PURVIS WILL
February Term 1836
I James P. J. Purvis of the county of Hinds & the State of Mississippi being dangerously ill in body but of sound mind do make this my last Will and Testament in presence of the undersigned witness-
1. After paying all my just debts, I give, bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth R Purvis one half of my estate to have and to hold during her natural life then to descend unto my two children, James B. M. Pervis & Mary Ann Pervis
2. I give and bequeath unto my two children, James B. M. Pervis & Mary Ann Pervis the remaining one half of my estate whatsoever it may be.
It is my will and desire that my wife shall have the charge, management of the Estate of my children& that she shall act as their guardian & attend to their rearing & education until they arrive at the age of majority. I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Elizabeth R Pervis & her father Beselia Campbell my Executors to carry this my Last Will and Testament into effect. Signed & sealed the 9th day of February A. D. 1836 in presence of-
Attest: F. E. Plummer James P. J. Pervis {seal}
Attest:
Filed Feby Term 1836
[SOURCE: LDS Family History Library Film # 878728, Page 66 also Hinds County WILL BOOK 1, Page 66. Transcribed by Charles L. Purvis, 1 Dec 2010].

Mystery Monday – The Parents of William A. Purvis

This posting is meant to be a public summary of my brick wall and a public acknowledgement that I need your help to solve this puzzle.

The parents of William A. Purvis have been my brick wall and have stumped me for 35 of the 36 years I have been researching. At the time I started researching I was in the Air Force and away from home. Telephone calls and letters home resulted in no useful information.

William A. Purvis was born between 1824 and 1827 according to the three censuses that he has been listed within.

YEAR	CO/ST	NAME	AGE	BIRTH/STATE	COMMENTS
1860[1]	Anson,NC	William A. Purvis	34	1826-NC
1870[2]	Anson,NC	W. A. Perris	46	1824-NC
1880[3]	Anson,NC	William A. Purvice	57	1827-SC

1860 CENSUS: Morven, Anson County, North Carolina; Roll: M653_887; Image: 160; Family History Library Film: 803887; Page: 300; Line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188; William A. PURVIS, age 34, Shoemaker, born in NC; Sarah PURVIS, female, age 26, born in SC; Joseph WHITE, age 33, Cooper, born in NC and Laura WHITE, age 30, born in NC.

1870 CENSUS: Morven, Anson County, North Carolina. Series: M593_1122, Image: 223; Family History Library Film: 552621, Page 403A, Line 38, Dwelling 178; Family 178. W. A. PURVIS, age 46, Farmer, born in NC, Sarah J. PURVIS, age 37, Keeps House, born in NC and William J. PURVIS, age 6, At Home, born in NC. [Spelled Perris on Ancestry]

1880 CENSUS: Morven, Anson County, North Carolina; Roll: 951; Family History Film: 1254951; Enumeration District: 2; Image: 0493; Page 350B, Line 36, Dwelling 233, Family 251; William A. PURVIS, age 53, Farmer, born in SC, father born in SC, mother born in NC; Sarah J. PURVIS, Wife, age 48, born in NC, parents born in NC. Dwelling 223, Family 252, Betsy PURVIS, age 30, born in NC, parents born in NC; Mary J. PURVIS, age 7, born in NC, parents born in NC. (Spelled PURVICE on Ancestry).

William A. Purvis married Sarah Jane Grave of Chesterfield, South Carolina before the 1860 Census were enumerated. They had one known child my Great Grand Father William James Purvis, born 23 September 1863.

Sarah Jane died 30 December 1893 in McFarland, Anson County, North Carolina. William and his son William James own property about 2 miles SW of McFarland.

DEATH: Messenger-Intelligencer issue of January 4, 1894, page 3, McFarlan News - The funeral of the wife of Mr. Wm. Pervis was preached by this writer in the M. E. Church of this place last Sunday [31 Dec. 1893]. She was a good old woman. She had suffered intensely for fifteen months from cancer. She was a member of the M. E. church about 20 years. [Source: Steve Bailey][4]

An Anson County Land Deed (DB 33, page 370) dated 23 September 1899 does two things. One it showed that William A. Purvis is still living on 23 September 1899 and two that he most probable remarried after the death of his first Wife Sarah Jane Grave in September 1893. [5]

An interesting part of this puzzle is that I believe that Elizabeth Purvis mentioned in this deed is Betsey Purvis living with Sarah Jane and William A. Purvice in the 1880 Census.

Another interesting piece of information is that every document and there are many that William A. Purvis signed his name is listed as William A. Purvis, he marks with an X. I only have one document where William every attempted to sign his name to the document; but, he was always William A. Purvis.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis (1849-18 Oct 1926) according to a document provided by the Social Security Administration was Betty Prevett. She had two daughters Mary Jane Purvis and Ella Frances Purvis.

• Mary Jane Purvis, born 1873 – died abt Mar 1895; First child born in 1889 last child born Mar 1895; had 4 children; married Charles Franklin Lang (3 Apr. 1868-28 Aug 1948).
• Ella Frances Purvis, born 25 Sept 1881, died 27 Nov 1971; married Thomas T. Tarlton (20 Nov. 1870-15 May 1964).

Note: The father of these two children is unknown to me. Are they William A. Purvis children; I don’t know. 

Betsy Prevett Purvis died in Rockingham, Richmond County, North Carolina on 18 Oct 1926.[6] She is buried in Mizpah Cemetery, Rockingham, NC. There is no tombstone marking her grave.

Her Obituary as seen here was no help.

Mrs. Betsy Purvis
Mrs. Betsy Purvis, aged 90, died Oct. 18th in Great Falls village. The interment was at Mizpah the same day. [The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Richmond County, NC, Thursday, October 21, 1926, Page 6, Column 2 - Deaths] [7]

William A. Purvis is not listed in the 1900 Census for Anson County, North Carolina. Betsey is listed with her daughter Ella Frances Purvis[8]

1900 CENSUS: Morven Twp, Anson Co., NC; Series: T623, Roll: 1181, Page: 145, Line 20, Dwelling 337, Family 338; Elizabeth PURVIS, age 40, Wd., born Oct 1869 in NC; Ella PURVIS, daughter, age 13, born Dec 1886 in NC.

The 1900 Census for Anson County, Morven Township, were enumerated on 28 June 1900 by Thomas E. Dabbs.

Therefore, William A. Purvis died between 23 September 1899 (signing of Deed 33:370) and 28 June 1900 (C1900 Census enumerated). No Obituary or tombstone has been found for William A. Purvis.

On 20 September 1900, Betsy Purvis sold the remaining 18 acres of my Great Great Grandfather William A. Purvis’ land to Jefferson D. Rhyne retaining 6 acres and a home as a life estate. [9]

She abandons these 6 acres by 1910 and is living with her daughter Ella and her husband Tom T. Tarlton in the Gulledge Township. Thus Jefferson D. (J. D.) Rhyme ultimately acquired the entire 60 acres that Great Great grandfather William A. Purvis owned and farmed while living on this good earth.

Action Taken:
The only large contingency of Purvis near Anson County was the Purvis of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Over the years I have built an extensive database on these Purvis but have found no connection. This group of Purvis’ is descendants of John Purvis and Sarah Johnson and their sons Gilbert, James and Joseph.

There is a William A. Purvis in Nelson County, Virginia but he has a family there and there is no indication that he abandoned that family and moved to North Carolina. There is a William A. Purvis also that listed in a Mississippi census.

There a large contingency of Purvis in the eastern part of North Carolina. Those also have been looked at with no positive results.

Other posting that may be interesting and helpful:
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-brickwall-william-purvis.html
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-brickwall-william-purvis-part-2.html

Thank you for reading my blog and for your comments and suggestions.

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[1] 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 300, line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188, Household of William A. Purvis; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 887.
[2] 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 403A, line 38, Dwelling 178; Family 178, Household of William A. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archive Microfilm M593, Roll 1122.
[3] 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) # 2, Page 350B, Line 36, Dwelling 233, Family 251, Household of William A. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.
[4] Sarah Jane Graves Purvis obituary, Messenger-Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 4 January 1894, page 3, McFarlan News.
[5] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 33: page 370, W. A. Purvis and wife Elizabeth Purvis to J. D. Rhyne; 23 September 1899, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[6] Betsy Purvis, death certificate #351 (1926), Register of Deeds, Gastonia, Gaston County, North Carolina.
[7] Mrs. Betsy Purvis obituary, The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Rockingham, Richmond County, NC, 21 October 1926, Page 6, Column 2. Deaths.
[8] 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #7, page 145, line 20, dwelling 337, family 338, Household of Elizabeth Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.
[9] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 34: pages 491-492, Betsy Purvis to J. D. Rhyne; 30 September 1900, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

Surname Saturday - John William Purvis

John William Purvis was born on 31 Dec 1880 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹ He is listed in the 1900 – 1940 Census for Anson County, North Carolina.^{2 3 5 6} John registered for the World War I Draft in 1917.⁴  John died on 10 Aug 1956 at the age of 75 and was buried on 12 August 1956 in the Morven Cemetery, Morven, Anson, North Carolina.^{7–8 9 10 11}

John William Purvis and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace were married on 25 Aug 1901 in McFarlan, Anson,  North Carolina.¹² They celebrated their 50th anniversary on 23 Apr 1951 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina. ¹³ Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, daughter of Henry Hampton Wallace and Sarah Ann Ross, was born on 21 Apr 1881 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{14 15 16 17 18} She died on 19 Jul 1968 at the age of 87 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina and was buried on 22 Jul 1968 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.^{19–20 21 22 23}

John William Purvis and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace had the following children:

              i. Sarah Kelson Purvis, born 22 Jun 1902, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married James Edward Gathings Sr., 24 Nov 1927; died 15 Mar 1979, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

             ii. Maude Purvis, born 12 Jul 1904, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Lonnie Messenheimer Watts, 6 Jun 1922; died 18 Sep 1962, Morven, Anson, North Carolina.

            iii. John William Purvis Jr., born 20 May 1906, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Elma Davis, 23 Apr 1927, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; died 11 Aug 1985, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

            iv. Ross Jethro Purvis, born 11 Dec 1908, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Lela Janie Lee, 19 Aug 1936, North Carolina; died 11 Oct 1978, Morven, Anson, North Carolina.

             v. Violet Hulda Purvis, born 19 Jan 1912, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Welton O. Derrick, 26 Jun 1937; died 27 Jul 1986, Union, Union County, South Carolina, USA.

John William Purvis and his wife Nancy are my Grand Uncle and Aunt. 

 ____________________________

1. William J. Purvis Family Family Bible Holy Bible, (n.p.: n.p., n.d.), J. W. PERVIS; Birth - 31 December 1880,  Obtained from Tammy Gathings Swearengin, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

        2. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 7, Page 145B; Line 63, Dwelling 345, Family 346, Household of John PURVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 25 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

        3. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0011, Page 158B, Line 87, Dwelling 96, Family 97, Household of John W. PURVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.

        4. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 August 2012), John William Purvis; citing World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, FHL Roll Number: 1765559; Birth Date: 30 Dec 1880.

        5. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 192A, Line 13, Dwelling 109, Family 109, Household of  John W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.

        6. 1930 U. S. Census, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #18, Page 27B; Line 99, Dwelling 118, Family 119, Household of John W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 1672.

        7. John William Purvis, The Anson Record, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, 10 August 1956, Page 1, Col 4. Full Citation.

        8. John William Purvis, death certificate (Long Form) 19243 (10 August 1956), SC State Board of Health, Department of Health & Human Services, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.

        9. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for John William Purvis; (31 December 1880–10 August 1956); Memorial # 38311293; Record of the Morven Cemetery; Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, USA; Accessed on 25 November 2100.

        10. John William Purvis obituary, The Anson Record, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 14 August 1956, Page 1, Col 4.

        11. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 25 November 2100; Headstone for John William Purvis;  Memorial # 38311293.

        12. William J. Purvis Family Family Bible, Marriage - 25 August 1901, John William Purvis & Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.

        13. The Anson Record, 23 April 1951.

        14. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 3 January 2010; Headstone for Elizabeth Nancy Wallace Purvis;  Memorial # 38311302.

        15. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #21, Page 101B/20B; Line 61, Dwelling 372, Family 379, Household of Hampton A. WALLACE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 12 May 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523.

        16. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #0011, Page 158B, Line 87, Dwelling 96, Family 97, Household of John W. PURVIS.

        17. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #13, Page 192A, Line 13, Dwelling 109, Family 109, Household of  John W. PURVIS.

        18. 1930 U. S. Census, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #18, Page 27B; Line 99, Dwelling 118, Family 119, Household of John W. PURVIS.

        19. Mrs.Purvis  Succumbs In Hospital, The Anson Record, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, 23 July 1968, Page 1, Col. 2.

        20. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 22254 (19 July 1968), Nancy Elizabeth Purvis; https://www.ancestry.com, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

        21. The Anson Record, 23 July 1968.

        22. Ibid.

        23. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 3 January 2010; Headstone for Elizabeth Nancy Wallace Purvis;  Memorial # 38311302.

Genealogical Nuggets within Land Deeds

I remember the early days of my genealogical journey.  After reading "Roots' by Alex Haley in 1976 I was ready to get started on documenting my family. Now it's May 2012, 36 years later, and I'm still stuck on one of the major Brick wall in my research – William A. Purvis.

I remember it was quite easy to get back to William A. Purvis. There was my great grandfather William James Purvis Death certificate [1]and it stated that his parents were William Purvis, Sr. and Sarah Graves. 

Next, it was off to the census where I found William and Sarah enumerated in the 1860-1880[2] [3] [4]census for Anson County, North Carolina.  The only child listed for this couple was found in the 1870 census where my Great Grandfather William James Purvis is listed as a 6 year old child. In the 1880 Census, William James is married to my Great Grandmother Mary Hulda Previtte Purvis and living next door to his parents.

Further research in the 1900 Census along with research in the local cemetery resulted in no record of William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves Purvis after 1880. The 1890 Census were destroyed by fire, this 20 year gap put a big stumbling block in the research process.  No grave or tombstone has been found for either William or Sarah.

  

At this time, approximately 3 years into my research, I turned to land deeds in an effort to find additional information on my 3^rd great grandparents. 

The land deeds provided a gold mine of documents and some pertinent genealogical information.

There are 9 land deeds on file in Anson County, NC for the buying and selling of land to which William A. or William J. Purvis were a party in the transaction. 

In additional to these 9 land deeds found in North & South Carolina; there were 27 Trust Deeds [5]found that William A. Purvis,  Sarah Jane Purvis, William James Purvis and Mary Hulda Purvis were the Trustor for the deed. 

The really big surprise out of all of these deeds was Betsy Purvis selling the land that William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Purvis once owned.  There is no evidence in the Deeds Books that Betsy Purvis ever purchase land in Anson County, NC. The fact that she is selling land that was previously owned by William A. Purvis points to a "right of survivorship"  such as spousal inheritances. 

Much later, a local genealogist found what is believed to be a death notice for Sarah Purvis.

                Messenger-Intelligencer issue of January 4, 1894, page 3, McFarlan News - The funeral of the wife of Mr. Wm. PERVIS was preached by this writer in the M. E. Church of this place last Sunday [31 Dec. 1893]. She was a good old woman. She had suffered intensely for fifteen months from cancer. She was a member of the M. E. church about 20 years. [Source: Steve Bailey][6]

No one in our family was aware of a second marriage for great grandfather William A. Purvis but circumstantial evidence surely points to a second wife.

 There is a Land Deed recorded to Deed Book 33, page370[7] between William A. Purvis and wife Betsy to J. D. Rhyne, deed dated 23 September 1899. This is the last document found, as of today, for William A. Purvis. He is not listed in the 1900 Census which was enumerated on 28 June 1900[8].  

It is presumed that William a. Purvis died between 23 September 1899 (DB33:370) and 28 June 1900 (1900 Census).  Elizabeth Purvis is enumerated in the 1900 Census. 

In 2004, I was contacted to assist in getting a DAR Application approved for a descendant of Frederick Rivers.  I was able to use the following Land Deeds to prove this lineage. The deeds are summarized here to save space.

DB20:263-265[9]

William Rivers & Others to B. F. White.

The DAR wanted proof of the children of her ancestor. We used a Land Deed (DB 20, pages 263-265, Chesterfield, SC) which listed the children names. The deed listed the following children: William, David, Sarah, Eliza and Calvin Rivers selling land formerly owned by F. F. Rivers (deceased). The parents of these children were Frederick F. Rivers & Siddie Boatwright Rivers.  

Another instance I used a Land Deed to correct a name. Harry Alexander Davis published a book in 1927 entitled "The Davis Family in Wales & America"[10]. 

On page 55 he lists the children of my 4^th Great Grandfather Thomas Davis. The 7^th child of Thomas and Nancy Davis was a daughter named Elizabeth Rebecca Davis. Mr. Davis in his book has her listed as Margaret Elizabeth Davis.

  

A land deed was used to prove her name was documented as Elizabeth Rebecca Davis.

Deed Book 1: 47-48[11]

Lewis Boatwright to Samuel Boatwright dated 15 April 1854 states that he Lewis Boatwright "do grant bargain sell and release unto my Son Samuel". Transfer of 250 acres for the sum of $250.00. States that Elizabeth R. Boatwright the wife of the within named Lewis Boatwright did appears this 10 day January 1866. Elizabeth Rebecca [Davis] Boatwright relinquishes her rights of dower. Harry Alexander Davis in his book "The Davis of Wales and America", page 55 has her name recorded as Margaret Elizabeth Davis. Yet, in this land deed she states that her name is Elizabeth Rebecca Boatwright. [Chesterfield County, SC, Register of Deeds, Book #1, Page 47-48].

Another important land deed in this area is those dealing with land division upon death of the Owner. A good reference is a land deed at this Website:

http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/anson/court/dlajhcou.txt

In this deed the dower land of Abrilla Hailey,Decd; widow of John Hailey is
being divided among  the heirs. A total of 9 lots of land are being divided
 among the heirs including the married names of a daughter - Lot 4 - Laid off to Rebecca Clark.

If you are stalled in your research and at this point haven't considered looking at land deeds I would encourage you to consider this resource.

---

[1] State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 17 (8 June 1941), William James Purvis; https://www.ancestry.com, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina.

[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED No ED, page 300, line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188, Household of William A. Purvis.

[3] 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED No ED, page 403A, line 38, Dwelling 178; Family 178, Household of William A. Purvis.

[4] 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, ED # 2, Page 350B, Line 36, Dwelling 233, Family 251, Household of William A. Purvis.

[5] security for your loan

[6] Sarah Jane Graves Purvis obituary, Messenger-Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 4 January 1894, page 3, McFarlan News.

[7] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 33: page 370, W. A. Purvis and wife Elizabeth Purvis to J. D. Rhyne; 23 September 1899, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

[8] 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #7, page 145, line 20, dwelling 337, family 338, Household of Elizabeth Purvis.

[9] Land Deed - ; ; Deed Book #20; Page(s) 263-265; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 2000

[10] Harry Alexander Davis, The Davis Family (Davies and David) in Wales and America: genealogy of Morgan David of Pennsylvania (Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1927), Page 55.

[11] Land Deed - Lewis Boatwright to Samuel Boatwright; 15 April 1854; Deed Book # 1; page(s)47-48.